BlondeAddiction's Braces Addiction:

It's been about 16 hours since my Ortho/Dental Appointment and I'm still feelin the discomfort.

I blogged last week that I had an appointment in 2 days but my Ortho had a last-minute cancellation and had to reschedule me for this week. I was already set for my 3 month cleaning and polishing with my Hygienist and since they're in the same office we try and schedule them at the same time. I was excited to get my teeth all nice and pretty again and switch to a clear or white powerchain! (I've been working overtime these passed few weeks and got on the hella iced coffee diet to stay peppy). I realized it was taking a toll on my teeth around my brackets despite my constant brushing and flossing. I guess I didn't realize how bad they were until they were cleaned. YUCK! My Hygienist removed my power chains and wires and got to work removing my coffee "vice" as she called it LOL.

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After a 1.5 hour cleaning and polishing I was ready for my Ortho to come in. He did his initial peek around- asking me to bite down numerous times- and upgraded my wires top and bottom. I was just about to tell him I was planning on switching from the Silver power chain to the Clear or White when he tells me we're keeping them off this time. Man, I was bummed LOL. He said that we're still working on broadening my arch- and while the power chains are closing my gaps (which is good), they're also keeping my teeth from broadening out at the same time so we're just gonna go back and forth with them. Eh- makes sense. My next appointment is now in 6 wks to see how the arch and bite are opening up. He said my elastics wear is great and my overjet is already looking much better! :clapping:


Once I was all 'put back together', I took some time to ask a few questions I had. My 1st was regarding the bracket on my 'snaggle canine' on my lower teeth. He looked it over and said "yeah, we're gonna have to move that bracket- but it's not until later on when we're in the finishing phase". Cool! I was glad! I then asked about my Black Triangle. He looked that over and said "yeah, you might always have that- but you really can't tell, and it's pretty common". I didn't like that answer as much LOL. So I then ask "well, is it something you maybe can fix with IPR in between the teeth?" He started to answer and then stopped to say "Wow! You've really been doing your homework!!" We all laughed. He then said "well, we might be able to remove just a tad of enamel, yes- but we'll see how it goes for now." I felt myself beaming. Made me really appreciate all the things I've learned on this site! It sounds dumb I know, but speaking (and understanding) their language has really given me a cool feeling inside knowing about whats going on in there. Knowledge is power! :D

I WAS gonna ask about my debonding date- but chickened out LOL

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All in all, The combination of tugging, cleaning, and new wires took a toll on me and my teeth are still pretty sensitive. My jaw just aches from having it open so long- and putting my elastics back on after 2.5 hrs was mini-hell. I've never had them off for more than about 30 mins at a time to eat and brush so I'm still feeling the ache of them going back on again. Good news is, we're moving along nicely and for now, I'm chain free!! New update in 6 weeks!!

Oh and for grins, here's a Month 1 to Month 8 side-by-side. It's amazing how much more teeth you can see!! :)
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Krissy